WORCESTER - "May you never forget what is worth remembering, or remember what is best forgotten."
These words hung in Ed's room on the Alzheimer's floor at Parsons Hill Nursing Home where he passed on September 1. His Irish charm and wit will be missed.
Ed was born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland and immigrated to Worcester in 1953. He worked for Harvey Construction and later as a carpenter and roofer for DMH at Worcester State Hospital. He was an avid sports fan and actively participated in Gaelic football in Boston where he won six championships and was picked for the New England All Star team.
Ed love for sports was only surpassed in watching his two daughters, Ellen (O'Connor) Duggan and Mary-Christine O'Connor. Rarely missing a game, conflicting schedules were solved by spending a half at each daughter's basketball game - quite a feat between Dudley and Boston. The arrival of his grand-daughter Tara Duggan brought a special connection for both. Since birth he has been present in Tara's life as a playmate, a fan at recitals and games, and a driving teacher. When Ed's health began to fail the roles were reversed and Tara needed to take 'Pa' to appointments and visit with him daily.
Ed was active in his heritage as president of the Irish Social Club, in his construction of the Celtic cross for the bicentennial parade, and was the Design Chairman for the Celtic cross at Worcester's City Hall. He also served as vice chairman for the Irish/American Harvard sponsored heart study.
Ed was predeceased by his wife, Mary E. (Sullivan) O'Connor in 2003. He is survived by his youngest daughter, Mary-Christine O'Connor, his oldest daughter Ellen (O'Connor) Duggan and his grand-daughter Tara Duggan, his niece and god-daughter Sheila Dansky, his brother Daniel O'Connor of Worcester and a sister Elizabeth Higgins of England.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 with a Mass at 9 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Immediately following the Mass there will be a reception at the church. The burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA 01604. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is directing arrangements.